Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment for A Better Night’s Rest
Do you wake up each morning already feeling fatigued after what seems like a full night’s rest? Maybe you have frequent morning headaches? Do you find that it can often be difficult to focus on daily tasks? Does your partner often have to wake you up because of your snoring? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you could be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
At Highland Dental Clinic, Dr. Blanca Fernandez educates about and treats patients with OSA in Lakeland, Florida. Many individuals with obstructive sleep apnea aren’t even aware they are impacted by it, so Dr. Fernandez would like to share with you some information you may not know about it.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
OSA occurs when you fall asleep and your airway, used for proper breathing, becomes blocked or obstructed. As you sleep, this cuts off your oxygen supply and signals your brain to wake up. This can happen anywhere from a few times to a few hundred times per night, and you likely aren’t even aware that you are waking up throughout the night.
You may wake up each morning thinking you have had a full night of restful sleep. However, your body is fully aware that it did not get the rest it requires; hence, you will suffer the consequences of this lack of good rest as your day progresses.
What Are the Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea will significantly affect your quality of life and your ability to function normally as you make your way through your daily tasks and activities. You could find that you are suffering from chronic headaches, having trouble focusing, beginning to put on weight, and experiencing chronic fatigue as you go about your day. You may even become more anxious, irritable, and depressed.
Because the symptoms of OSA can indicate several other medical conditions, it can be easily overlooked. When left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can lead to related health concerns that include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
How Can Your Obstructive Sleep Apnea Be Treated?
Thankfully, once diagnosed, there are treatment options available to you. Many individuals are initially provided with a CPAP machine to wear at night. These can be loud, bulky, and generally hard to sleep with. Wearing a CPAP could be counterproductive if you are unable to sleep with it on. This is why dentists like Dr. Fernandez offer custom oral appliances as an alternative treatment option.
An oral appliance will re-adjust the position of your jaw so that your airway remains open and clear as you sleep. You will be able to breathe properly without your body waking you up due to a lack of oxygen.
If you are seeking answers for obstructive sleep apnea, please schedule an appointment with us today by calling (863) 457-1954.